Who: Lucius, Narcissa and BABY!Draco Malfoy, Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange (guest appearances by uncredited House Elves) What: Christmas Celebrations: A Very Happy Malfoy Christmas: 1980 Edition When: 25 December 1980 Where: Malfoy Manor Rating: PG/PG-13 Status: On-Going/Open Warnings: Lucius and Bellatrix are in the same room at times - adult language and hand gestures may be used.
Fewer things were taken more seriously by Lucius Malfoy than surprising his wife at Christmas. When she was very able to go out and get whatever she wanted - it made gift giving especially complicated - and she had very high expectations. So other than a rule that all personal splurges were not allowed from October onwards so he had a chance in hell of surprising her - he also had to think outside of the box. In this case - very outside of the box. Bellatrix had been a part of every holiday with Narcissa that Lucius could remember. He had seen the brave face his wife was putting on - but he knew it was killing her to NOT have her sister there with them.
He also wanted to test Avery a bit - see if he was trustworthy. So he had gotten his assistance with getting Bellatrix to the Manor. This way the man would either prove useful for future events - or if he proved untrustworthy - well there were ways around most things. Especially if you were Malfoy.
Since he normally took the morning feeding with Draco so that Narcissa could rest up, she didn’t even stir when he slipped out of bed to check on their son - and seeing that he had time before his son woke up completely - Lucius put on his cloak and slipped out of the manor, and made sure that Bellatrix and Rodolphus made it through the wards without a hitch. He got them up to a room to get comfortable - and made sure to point out the pajamas. He did manage to get in a ‘Your sister has a color scheme for Christmas morning pictures…’ before slipping out to go and get Draco for his morning routine.
After arranging with Luxxy to bring everyone their morning trays of tea once they were awake, he and Draco retired to the drawing room where they continued to go through the morning routine of feeding, chatting, and a very one sided conversation about the current state of the economy. His son was currently very ambivalent about it - Lucius could only hope that would change as time went on. So they stayed down in the drawing room and waited for the rest of their people to arrive. Luxxy had had VERY clear instructions to keep Narcissa from seeing or hearing the Lesgtrange’s until she was already settled in down with himself and Draco.
He knew his sister-in-law enjoyed an entrance. And he wanted to be sure that this surprise was able to be fully enjoyed by his wife. He could only wish the little elf the very best of luck and hope for the best. Bellatrix should be happy he wasn’t stuffing her into a box to be opened or suggesting she jump out from behind a curtain really...